Evangeline Parish, LA – A grand jury in Evangeline Parish has indicted Ray Charles Fontenot on charges of second-degree murder in connection with the 2023 death of his wife, Brittany Guillory Fontenot. The indictment follows an extensive investigation involving local, state, and federal agencies, which began after Fontenot initially told authorities that his wife shot herself.
Brittany Guillory Fontenot was found deceased on April 13, 2023. Initially, Ray Fontenot claimed that her death was a suicide, but further investigation led to the discovery of evidence suggesting otherwise. Almost two years after the incident, Fontenot was arrested following the grand jury’s decision to formally charge him with second-degree murder.
The charge carries a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence if convicted. Fontenot’s arraignment is scheduled for May 5, where he will face the charges in court.
In an unrelated case, the grand jury also indicted 28-year-old Kassie Ann Butler on several serious charges. Butler faces two counts of first-degree rape, two counts of sexual battery of persons with infirmities, and two counts of cruelty to the infirmed. The charges stem from incidents that allegedly occurred between June 1, 2024, and October 7, 2024. Butler’s arraignment is set for April 10.
District Attorney Trent Brignac expressed gratitude to the members of the grand jury for their service, highlighting the collaborative effort of Assistant District Attorneys Deidra Godfrey and Jacob B. Fusilier, as well as the law clerks and staff who worked on the cases. The office’s release emphasized the diligence and commitment of all parties involved in these investigations.
As both cases move forward, they promise to attract significant attention in the coming weeks. Ray Fontenot’s trial could result in a life sentence if convicted, while Butler faces serious charges that could have long-lasting consequences. The community now awaits further developments as both cases proceed through the legal system.